EP4292951A1 - Container - Google Patents
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- Publication number
- EP4292951A1 EP4292951A1 EP22869617.5A EP22869617A EP4292951A1 EP 4292951 A1 EP4292951 A1 EP 4292951A1 EP 22869617 A EP22869617 A EP 22869617A EP 4292951 A1 EP4292951 A1 EP 4292951A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- container
- pair
- hinge
- container elements
- mated
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 74
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 238000010097 foam moulding Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 abstract description 5
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 14
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 230000004308 accommodation Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000006261 foam material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000013013 elastic material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000806 elastomer Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D43/14—Non-removable lids or covers
- B65D43/16—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement
- B65D43/163—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement the container and the lid being made separately
- B65D43/168—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement the container and the lid being made separately and connected by one or more hinges formed by a separate, single container and a flexible, band-like element fixed to the container and the lid
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C33/00—Moulds or cores; Details thereof or accessories therefor
- B29C33/12—Moulds or cores; Details thereof or accessories therefor with incorporated means for positioning inserts, e.g. labels
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C44/00—Shaping by internal pressure generated in the material, e.g. swelling or foaming ; Producing porous or cellular expanded plastics articles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2105/00—Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped
- B29K2105/04—Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped cellular or porous
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
- B29L2031/712—Containers; Packaging elements or accessories, Packages
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to a container.
- a container including a plurality of container elements that are mated has conventionally been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
- Patent Document 1 JP 2005-076848 A ( FIG. 1 , paragraph [0014], etc.)
- a container includes: a pair of container elements to be mated to constitute the container; and a hinge connecting the pair of container elements, the pair of container elements and the hinge being integrally formed from a resin by foam molding with mating surfaces of the pair of container elements pointing unidirectionally.
- the hinge In the container, at least a part of the hinge is pulled when the pair of container elements are mated, the hinge has a V-shaped groove located lower than the mating surfaces and including a pair of inner surfaces arranged in a V shape and brought into surface contact with each other when the pair of container elements are mated, and has a thickness that gradually decreases toward a bottom of the V-shaped groove, the bottom of the V-shaped groove is pulled when the pair of container elements are mated, the hinge has two of the V-shaped grooves, the hinge includes a protrusion located between the two V-shaped grooves, the protrusion having a vertex located lower than the mating surfaces, and of the four inner surfaces of the two V-shaped grooves, two inner surfaces which are farthest from each other are partially brought into contact with each other.
- a container includes: a pair of container elements to be mated to constitute the container; and a hinge connecting the pair of container elements, the pair of container elements and the hinge being integrally formed from a resin by foam molding with mating surfaces of the pair of container elements pointing unidirectionally.
- the hinge In the container, at least a part of the hinge is pulled when the pair of container elements are mated, the hinge has a V-shaped groove located lower than the mating surfaces and including a pair of inner surfaces arranged in a V shape and brought into surface contact with each other when the pair of container elements are mated, and has a thickness that gradually decreases toward a bottom of the V-shaped groove, the bottom of the V-shaped groove is pulled when the pair of container elements are mated, and the hinge has the single V-shaped groove.
- a container includes: a pair of container elements to be mated to constitute the container; and a hinge connecting the pair of container elements, the pair of container elements and the hinge being integrally formed from a resin by foam molding with mating surfaces of the pair of container elements pointing unidirectionally.
- the hinge includes a strip portion suspended between opposite outer surfaces of the pair of container elements, at two locations away from the mating surfaces, and the strip portion becomes deformed by bending at two ends of the strip portion and an area of the strip portion between the two ends is pulled when the pair of container elements are mated.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a container 10 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.
- the container 10 includes a pair of container elements 20 and a hinge 30 connecting the pair of container elements 20.
- the container 10 has an accommodation space R (see FIG. 4 ) formed therein when the pair of container elements 20 are mated at their mating surfaces 21M.
- the pair of container elements 20 are changeable between an unfolded state in which the mating surfaces 21M point unidirectionally (see FIG. 3 ) and a closed state in which the mating surfaces 21M are in contact with each other as described above with the hinge 30 being bent (see FIG. 4 ).
- the mating surfaces 21M of the pair of container elements 20 point unidirectionally and are flush with each other in the unfolded state.
- each container element 20 has a recess 22 that forms the accommodation space R in the closed state.
- the recesses 22 have opening edges serving as the foregoing mating surfaces 21M.
- each mating surface 21M extends circumferentially along the entire opening of the corresponding recess 22, and thus has a ring shape.
- the opening of each recess 22 has a rectangular shape, and each mating surface 21M has a substantially rectangular ring shape.
- each container element 20 includes a bottom 23 and a surrounding wall 24 standing from an outer edge of the bottom 23.
- the foregoing recesses 22 are formed inside the surrounding walls 24, and distal end surfaces of the surrounding walls 24 serve as the foregoing mating surfaces 21M.
- each bottom 23 extends in the longitudinal direction of the opening of the corresponding recess 22, and thus has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view.
- Each surrounding wall 24 has a pair of shorter sidewalls 24M facing each other in the longitudinal direction of the corresponding recess 22, and a pair of longer sidewalls 24N facing each other in the transverse direction of the corresponding recess 22.
- the hinge 30 connects respective one side surfaces of the pair of the container elements 20.
- the hinge 30 connects respective outer surfaces of one of the longer sidewalls 24N of the container elements.
- the hinge 30 connects longitudinal centers of ends near the mating surfaces 21M (ends which are away from the bottoms 23) of the ones of the longer sidewalls 24N (see FIGS. 1 to 3 ).
- the hinge 30 may have a plurality of V-shaped grooves 31.
- the hinge 30 may have a plurality of V-shaped groove 31 arranged side by side in the widthwise direction of each V-shaped groove 31 (in the connecting direction in the hinge 30), and a protrusion 32 having a triangular shape in sectional view and located between adjacent two of the V-shaped grooves 31.
- the hinge 30 has two V-shaped grooves 31 and the protrusion 32 located between the V-shaped grooves 31, and a vertex of the protrusion 32 is located lower than (e.g., located slightly lower than) the mating surfaces 21M (see FIG. 3 ).
- the hinge 30 may also have an arc-shaped groove 33 formed in an outer surface (e.g., formed over the entire outer surface) of the hinge 30 reverse from the surface in which the two V-shaped grooves 31 are formed so as to extend in the widthwise direction of the hinge 30.
- the two V-shaped grooves 31 may be formed at two ends of the hinge 30 (end areas to be connected to the container elements 20), so that these areas of the hinge 30 may become thinner than an area of the hinge 30 between the V-shaped grooves 31 (e.g., a center of the hinge 30 in the direction of connecting the pair of container elements 20).
- the container 10 includes the pair of container elements 20 and the hinge 30 that are formed by integral molding.
- the container 10 is, for example, an integrally molded product made from a resin.
- the container 10 is made from, for example, an elastic material.
- the container 10 is a foam molded product in which the container elements 20 and the hinge 30 are integrally formed by foam molding.
- the container 10 is molded in the foregoing unfolded state in which the mating surfaces 21M of the pair of container elements 20 point unidirectionally, in a molding die.
- the placement overhanging portions 25 have through holes 25A that communicate with each other in a mating direction of the placement overhanging portions 25, and the fixing member 40 is inserted into the through holes 25A.
- the placement overhanging portion 25 of each container element 20 overhangs from an end near the mating surface 21M in the longer sidewall 24N, which is opposite the hinge 30.
- the placement overhanging portions 25 of the container elements 20 each have a substantially plate shape.
- the placement overhanging portions 25 have surfaces to be brought into contact with each other in the closed state, and these surfaces are flush with the mating surfaces 21M.
- each container element 20 may include a plurality of placement overhanging portions 25.
- each container element 20 includes two placement overhanging portions 25 located near two ends of one of the longer sidewalls 24N in the longitudinal direction.
- the fixing member 40 has a symmetrical shape in the axial direction of the rod-shaped portion 41. Accordingly, it is unnecessary to adjust the orientation of the fixing member 40 in the axial direction of the rod-shaped portion 41. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate an operation for fixing the pair of container elements 20 to each other.
- the hinge 30 is bent in the closed state in which the pair of container elements 20 are mated.
- a pair of inner surfaces 31M that constitute the inner surfaces of each V-shaped groove 31 are brought into surface contact with each other.
- two inner surfaces 31MA which are farthest from each other in the two V-shaped grooves are partially brought into contact with each other (see a contact position T in FIG. 4 ).
- the protrusion 32 between the two V-shaped grooves 31 becomes deformed by compression between the inner surfaces 31MA.
- a height H of each mating surface 21M relative to a boundary P between the outer surface (the surface reverse from the surface in which the V-shaped grooves 31 are formed) of the hinge 30 and the outer surface of each container element 20 is substantially a half of a length of the hinge 30 (a length in the direction of connecting the container elements 20; a length between the two boundaries P).
- the hinge 30 connects the container elements 20. Therefore, it is possible to easily mate the container elements 20, as compared with a case of mating the container elements 20 that are not connected to each other. For example, it is possible to easily adjust the orientations of the container elements, and to easily mate the container elements 20.
- the pair of container elements 20 are molded using a foam resin. Therefore, it is possible to easily bring the mating surfaces 21M of the pair of container elements 20 into close contact with each other.
- at least a part of the hinge 30 is pulled when the pair of container elements 20 are mated. Therefore, it is possible to more easily bring the mating surfaces 21M (particularly the areas near the hinge 30) into close contact with each other.
- the use of the container 10 and an object to be accommodated in the accommodation space R in the container 10 are not particularly limited.
- the container 10 may be installed in a vehicle (e.g., an automobile) to accommodate a compressor (e.g., a compressor of an automotive air conditioner).
- a compressor e.g., a compressor of an automotive air conditioner.
- a noise source such as a compressor
- the container 10 according to the present embodiment it is also possible to inhibit the hinge 30 from projecting outward since the hinge 30 is pulled in the closed state.
- the container 10 according to the present embodiment is molded such that the mating surfaces 21M are connected to each other and point unidirectionally. Therefore, it is possible to easily achieve a configuration in which at least a part of the hinge 30 is pulled when the pair of container elements 20 are mated at their mating surfaces 21M.
- the hinge 30 has the V-shaped grooves 31, and the thickness of the hinge 30 gradually decreases toward the bottom of each V-shaped groove 31. Therefore, it is possible to easily bend the hinge 30 at the areas where the V-shaped grooves 31 are formed.
- the bottom of each V-shaped groove in the hinge is pulled when the pair of container elements are mated. Therefore, it is possible to easily bring the mating surfaces into close contact with each other as described above. It is also possible to inhibit the hinge from projecting with the pair of container elements 20 being mated.
- the hinge 30 has the plurality of V-shaped grooves 31. Therefore, it is possible to easily bend the hinge 30.
- the vertex of the protrusion 32 between the adjacent two V-shaped grooves 31 is located lower than the mating surfaces 21M. Therefore, it is possible to inhibit the protrusion from interfering the mating surfaces 21M when the mating surfaces 21M are mated with each other.
- the two inner surfaces 31MA which are farthest from each other are partially brought into contact with each other. Therefore, the protrusion 32 is housed between the two inner surfaces 31MA.
- the hinge 30 is bent in a closed state in which the pair of container elements 20 are mated at their mating surfaces 21M.
- a pair of inner surfaces 31M of the V-shaped groove 31 are brought into surface contact with each other.
- the inner surfaces 31M which are in surface contact with each other, are flush with the mating surfaces 21M of the pair of container elements 20.
- At least a part of the hinge 30 (specifically, the bottom of the V-shaped groove 31 in the hinge 30) is pulled in the direction of mating the pair of container elements 20 in the closed state in which the container elements 20 are mated.
- FIGS. 9 to 13 each illustrate a container 10 according to a third embodiment.
- the present embodiment is the same in configuration with each of the first and second embodiments except for a configuration of a hinge 30.
- the hinge 30 is configured such that a strip portion 35 is suspended between opposite outer surfaces of a pair of container elements 20 (outer surfaces of longer sidewalls 24) in an unfolded state.
- the strip portion 35 is suspended between two locations away from mating surfaces 21M, and is located at a position displaced from the extension surface of mating surfaces 21M.
- the strip portion 35 is displaced at its two ends from the mating surfaces 21M by a length that is substantially equal to, or is not less than, a half of a length of the strip portion 35 (e.g., slightly longer than the half).
- the hinge 30 is bent in a closed state in which the pair of container elements 20 are mated at their mating surfaces 21M.
- the hinge 30 (the strip portion 35) becomes deformed by bending at its two ends, and an area of the strip portion 35 between the two ends is pulled in the direction of mating the pair of container elements 20.
- the strip portion 35 is brought into contact with the outer surfaces of the pair of container elements 20 with the strip portion 35 placed and abutted on the outer surfaces.
- the two ends of the strip portion 35 are thinner than the area of the strip portion 35 between the two ends.
- the strip portion 35 has a thickness that gradually increases toward the center of the strip portion 35 in the longitudinal direction of the component 34.
- the strip portion 35 has a flat isosceles triangular shape as seen in the widthwise direction of the strip portion 35.
- the strip portion 35 has a flat surface that points opposite from the pair of container elements 20 in the close state (a surface pointing rightward in FIG. 12 ).
- the strip portion 35 also has a surface that faces the pair of container elements 20 in the closed state (a surface pointing leftward in FIG. 12 ). This surface gradually protrudes toward the center of the strip portion 35, so that a triangular protrusion 35T having a flat isosceles triangular shape in sectional view is formed on this surface. As illustrated in FIG. 9 , for example, the strip portion 35 may have a through hole (at, for example, the center of the strip portion 35).
- the longer sidewalls 24 of the respective container elements 20, which are connected to each other via the hinge 30, have receiving recesses 29 for receiving the triangular protrusion 35T of the strip portion 35, at positions where the longer sidewalls 24 are placed on the hinge 30 (the strip portion 35) in the closed state.
- the receiving recesses 29 in the longer sidewalls 24N connected to each other via the hinge 30 each have a depth that gradually increases from the areas connected to the hinge 30 toward the mating surfaces 21M.
- the hinge 30 includes the strip portion 35 suspended between the opposite outer surfaces of the pair of container elements 20 at the two locations away from the mating surfaces 21M.
- the strip portion 35 becomes deformed by bending at its two ends, and the area of the strip portion 35 between the two ends is pulled. As a result, it is possible to inhibit the hinge 30 from projecting with the pair of container elements 20 being mated.
- this hinge has end areas to be connected to the container elements 20 near the mating surfaces 21M.
- the strip portion 35Z is loosened and is likely to project outward with the strip portion 35Z being bent in the closed state.
- a molding die 70 for integrally molding the container 10 in an unfolded state needs to have a shallow molding protrusion 75 for molding the opposite surfaces of the pair of container elements 20. Therefore, there is a possibility that the strength of the molding protrusion 75 is decreased, and the molding die 70 is susceptible to damage.
- the hinge 30 (the strip portion 35) of the container 10 according to the present embodiment is suspended at the locations away from the mating surfaces 21M. Therefore, it is possible to cause the hinge 30 to be hardly loosened in the closed state even when the length of the hinge 30 is not made shorter more than necessary. Accordingly, it is also possible to thicken the molding protrusion 75 of the molding die 70 for molding the container 10 and to cause the molding die 70 to be less susceptible to damage.
- the hinge 30 it is also possible to inhibit the hinge 30 from projecting at the time when the hinge 30 is bent, since the hinge 30 (the strip portion 35) becomes deformed by bending at its two ends.
- the two ends of the strip portion 35 are thinner than the area of the strip portion 35 between the two ends. Therefore, it is possible to easily bend the hinge at the two ends of the strip portion 35 and to further inhibit the hinge from projecting when the pair of container elements are mated.
- the strip portion 35 is placed on the outer surfaces of the pair of container elements 20 when the pair of container elements 20 are mated. Therefore, it is possible to further inhibit the hinge 30 from projecting.
- the container elements 20 each have the receiving recess 29. Therefore, it is possible to house the triangular protrusion 35T of the hinge 30 in the receiving recesses 29 and to further inhibit the hinge 30 from projecting, in the closed state.
- a container including: a pair of container elements to be mated to constitute the container; and a hinge connecting the pair of container elements, the pair of container elements and the hinge being integrally formed from a resin by foam molding with mating surfaces of the pair of container elements pointing unidirectionally, wherein at least a part of the hinge is pulled when the pair of container elements are mated.
Abstract
[Problem] There is a demand for the development of a technique for easily mating container elements that constitute a container.
[Solution] A container 10 includes: a pair of container elements 20 to be mated to constitute the container; and a hinge 30 connecting the container elements 20, the container elements 20 and the hinge 30 being integrally formed from a resin by foam molding with mating surfaces 21M of the container elements 20 pointing unidirectionally. In the container 10, at least a part of the hinge 30 is pulled when the pair of container elements 20 are mated.
Description
- The present disclosure relates to a container.
- A container including a plurality of container elements that are mated has conventionally been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
- Patent Document 1:
JP 2005-076848 A FIG. 1 , paragraph [0014], etc.) - There is a demand for the development of a technique for easily mating container elements.
- In order to solve the foregoing problem, a container according to one aspect includes: a pair of container elements to be mated to constitute the container; and a hinge connecting the pair of container elements, the pair of container elements and the hinge being integrally formed from a resin by foam molding with mating surfaces of the pair of container elements pointing unidirectionally. In the container, at least a part of the hinge is pulled when the pair of container elements are mated, the hinge has a V-shaped groove located lower than the mating surfaces and including a pair of inner surfaces arranged in a V shape and brought into surface contact with each other when the pair of container elements are mated, and has a thickness that gradually decreases toward a bottom of the V-shaped groove, the bottom of the V-shaped groove is pulled when the pair of container elements are mated, the hinge has two of the V-shaped grooves, the hinge includes a protrusion located between the two V-shaped grooves, the protrusion having a vertex located lower than the mating surfaces, and of the four inner surfaces of the two V-shaped grooves, two inner surfaces which are farthest from each other are partially brought into contact with each other.
- A container according to another aspect includes: a pair of container elements to be mated to constitute the container; and a hinge connecting the pair of container elements, the pair of container elements and the hinge being integrally formed from a resin by foam molding with mating surfaces of the pair of container elements pointing unidirectionally. In the container, at least a part of the hinge is pulled when the pair of container elements are mated, the hinge has a V-shaped groove located lower than the mating surfaces and including a pair of inner surfaces arranged in a V shape and brought into surface contact with each other when the pair of container elements are mated, and has a thickness that gradually decreases toward a bottom of the V-shaped groove, the bottom of the V-shaped groove is pulled when the pair of container elements are mated, and the hinge has the single V-shaped groove.
- A container according to still another aspect includes: a pair of container elements to be mated to constitute the container; and a hinge connecting the pair of container elements, the pair of container elements and the hinge being integrally formed from a resin by foam molding with mating surfaces of the pair of container elements pointing unidirectionally. In the container, at least a part of the hinge is pulled when the pair of container elements are mated, the hinge includes a strip portion suspended between opposite outer surfaces of the pair of container elements, at two locations away from the mating surfaces, and the strip portion becomes deformed by bending at two ends of the strip portion and an area of the strip portion between the two ends is pulled when the pair of container elements are mated.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a container according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating the container in an unfolded state. -
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line A-A inFIG. 2 illustrating the container in the unfolded state. -
FIG. 4 is a sectional view illustrating the container in a closed state. -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a container according to a second embodiment. -
FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating the container according to the second embodiment in an unfolded state. -
FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line B-B inFIG. 6 illustrating the container according to the second embodiment. -
FIG. 8 is a sectional view illustrating the container according to the second embodiment in a closed state. -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a container according to a third embodiment. -
FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating the container according to the third embodiment in an unfolded state. -
FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line C-C inFIG. 10 illustrating the container according to the third embodiment. -
FIG. 12 is a sectional view illustrating the container according to the third embodiment in a closed state. -
FIG. 13 is a sectional view illustrating the container according to the third embodiment when the container is molded in a molding die. -
FIG. 1 illustrates acontainer 10 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Thecontainer 10 includes a pair ofcontainer elements 20 and ahinge 30 connecting the pair ofcontainer elements 20. Thecontainer 10 has an accommodation space R (seeFIG. 4 ) formed therein when the pair ofcontainer elements 20 are mated at theirmating surfaces 21M. The pair ofcontainer elements 20 are changeable between an unfolded state in which themating surfaces 21M point unidirectionally (seeFIG. 3 ) and a closed state in which themating surfaces 21M are in contact with each other as described above with thehinge 30 being bent (seeFIG. 4 ). In an example of the present embodiment, themating surfaces 21M of the pair ofcontainer elements 20 point unidirectionally and are flush with each other in the unfolded state. - In an example of the present embodiment, each
container element 20 has arecess 22 that forms the accommodation space R in the closed state. Therecesses 22 have opening edges serving as the foregoingmating surfaces 21M. In an example of the present embodiment, eachmating surface 21M extends circumferentially along the entire opening of thecorresponding recess 22, and thus has a ring shape. As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and2 , in an example of the present embodiment, the opening of eachrecess 22 has a rectangular shape, and eachmating surface 21M has a substantially rectangular ring shape. - Specifically, for example, each
container element 20 includes abottom 23 and a surroundingwall 24 standing from an outer edge of thebottom 23. Theforegoing recesses 22 are formed inside the surroundingwalls 24, and distal end surfaces of the surroundingwalls 24 serve as the foregoingmating surfaces 21M. For example, eachbottom 23 extends in the longitudinal direction of the opening of thecorresponding recess 22, and thus has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view. Each surroundingwall 24 has a pair ofshorter sidewalls 24M facing each other in the longitudinal direction of thecorresponding recess 22, and a pair oflonger sidewalls 24N facing each other in the transverse direction of thecorresponding recess 22. - The
hinge 30 connects respective one side surfaces of the pair of thecontainer elements 20. In an example of the present embodiment, thehinge 30 connects respective outer surfaces of one of thelonger sidewalls 24N of the container elements. For example, thehinge 30 connects longitudinal centers of ends near themating surfaces 21M (ends which are away from the bottoms 23) of the ones of thelonger sidewalls 24N (seeFIGS. 1 to 3 ). - As illustrated in
FIG. 3 , in an example of the present embodiment, thehinge 30 has a V-shaped groove 31. Thehinge 30 has a surface in which the V-shaped groove 31 is formed (a surface pointing inward in the closed state). This surface and themating surfaces 21M in the unfolded state point unidirectionally. As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and2 , the V-shaped groove 31 extends from end to end of thehinge 30 in the widthwise direction of thehinge 30 perpendicular to the direction of connecting the pair ofcontainer elements 20. As illustrated inFIG. 3 , the V-shaped groove 31 is located lower than themating surfaces 21M, and thehinge 30 has a thickness that gradually decreases toward the bottom of the V-shaped groove 31. - The
hinge 30 may have a plurality of V-shaped grooves 31. For example, thehinge 30 may have a plurality of V-shaped groove 31 arranged side by side in the widthwise direction of each V-shaped groove 31 (in the connecting direction in the hinge 30), and aprotrusion 32 having a triangular shape in sectional view and located between adjacent two of the V-shaped grooves 31. In an example of the present embodiment, thehinge 30 has two V-shaped grooves 31 and theprotrusion 32 located between the V-shaped grooves 31, and a vertex of theprotrusion 32 is located lower than (e.g., located slightly lower than) themating surfaces 21M (seeFIG. 3 ). For example, thehinge 30 may also have an arc-shaped groove 33 formed in an outer surface (e.g., formed over the entire outer surface) of thehinge 30 reverse from the surface in which the two V-shaped grooves 31 are formed so as to extend in the widthwise direction of thehinge 30. For example, the two V-shaped grooves 31 may be formed at two ends of the hinge 30 (end areas to be connected to the container elements 20), so that these areas of thehinge 30 may become thinner than an area of thehinge 30 between the V-shaped grooves 31 (e.g., a center of thehinge 30 in the direction of connecting the pair of container elements 20). - The
container 10 according to the present embodiment includes the pair ofcontainer elements 20 and thehinge 30 that are formed by integral molding. Thecontainer 10 is, for example, an integrally molded product made from a resin. Specifically, thecontainer 10 is made from, for example, an elastic material. In an example of the present embodiment, thecontainer 10 is a foam molded product in which thecontainer elements 20 and thehinge 30 are integrally formed by foam molding. In the present embodiment, thecontainer 10 is molded in the foregoing unfolded state in which themating surfaces 21M of the pair ofcontainer elements 20 point unidirectionally, in a molding die. - The
container 10 is closed as illustrated inFIG. 4 in such a manner that thehinge 30 is bent and themating surfaces 21M of the pair ofcontainer elements 20 are brought into contact with each other as described above. In an example of the present embodiment, a fixing member 40 for fixing the pair ofcontainer elements 20 to each other is provided in order to maintain the closed state. For example, the fixing member 40 fixes respective areas of thecontainer elements 20, located opposite thehinge 30 across therecesses 22, to each other. In an example of the present embodiment, eachcontainer element 20 includes aplacement overhanging portion 25 that overhangs outward from one of thelonger sidewalls 24N opposite thehinge 30. The fixing member 40 fixes theplacement overhanging portions 25 of thecontainer elements 20 to each other with theplacement overhanging portions 25 placed on top of each other in the closed state. Specifically, for example, theplacement overhanging portions 25 have throughholes 25A that communicate with each other in a mating direction of theplacement overhanging portions 25, and the fixing member 40 is inserted into the throughholes 25A. For example, theplacement overhanging portion 25 of eachcontainer element 20 overhangs from an end near themating surface 21M in thelonger sidewall 24N, which is opposite thehinge 30. In an example of the present embodiment, theplacement overhanging portions 25 of thecontainer elements 20 each have a substantially plate shape. In addition, theplacement overhanging portions 25 have surfaces to be brought into contact with each other in the closed state, and these surfaces are flush with the mating surfaces 21M. - For example, each
container element 20 may include a plurality ofplacement overhanging portions 25. In an example of the present embodiment, eachcontainer element 20 includes twoplacement overhanging portions 25 located near two ends of one of the longer sidewalls 24N in the longitudinal direction. - In an example of the present embodiment, the fixing member 40 includes a rod-shaped
portion 41 and overhanginglock portions 42 that overhang outward from two ends of the rod-shapedportion 41. As described above, the fixing member 40 is inserted into the pair ofplacement overhanging portions 25 placed on top of each other in the closed state. Specifically, the rod-shapedportion 41 is inserted into the throughholes 25A in the pair ofplacement overhanging portions 25 placed on top of each other, and the overhanginglock portions 42 are locked at opposite opening edges of the throughholes 25A. The pair ofplacement overhanging portions 25 placed on top of each other are thus fixed to each other, so that the pair of container elements 11 are fixed to each other. The overhanginglock portions 42 are larger than the throughholes 25A (e.g., the overhanginglock portions 42 are larger in diameter than the throughholes 25A). However, the overhanginglock portions 42 are capable of passing through the throughholes 25A by press fitting. - Specifically, in an example of the present embodiment, each overhanging
lock portion 42 has a shape tapered in the direction away from the rod-shaped portion 41 (e.g., a conical shape, a pyramidal shape, a truncated conical shape, or a truncated pyramidal shape). As described above, since each overhanginglock portion 42 has a tapered shape or since eachplacement overhanging portion 25 is made from an elastic material such as a foam material, the overhanginglock portions 42 are capable of easily passing through the throughholes 25A. Also, in an example of the present embodiment, each overhanginglock portion 42 has a steppedsurface 42M pointing the rod-shapedportion 41. The stepped surfaces 42M allow the overhanginglock portions 42 to be easily locked at the opening edges of the throughholes 25A in theplacement overhanging portions 25. In an example of the present embodiment, the fixing member 40 has a symmetrical shape in the axial direction of the rod-shapedportion 41. Accordingly, it is unnecessary to adjust the orientation of the fixing member 40 in the axial direction of the rod-shapedportion 41. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate an operation for fixing the pair ofcontainer elements 20 to each other. - As illustrated in
FIG. 4 , thehinge 30 is bent in the closed state in which the pair ofcontainer elements 20 are mated. At this time, in an example of the present embodiment, a pair ofinner surfaces 31M that constitute the inner surfaces of each V-shapedgroove 31 are brought into surface contact with each other. Moreover, two inner surfaces 31MA which are farthest from each other in the two V-shaped grooves are partially brought into contact with each other (see a contact position T inFIG. 4 ). At this time, theprotrusion 32 between the two V-shapedgrooves 31 becomes deformed by compression between the inner surfaces 31MA. In an example of the present embodiment, the inner surface of thehinge 30, in which the V-shapedgrooves 31 are formed, is thus brought into close contact with the outer surfaces of the pair ofcontainer elements 20 without a gap. In an example of the present embodiment, the pair ofinner surfaces 31M of each V-shapedgroove 31 are substantially orthogonal to each other. - In the closed state in which the pair of
container elements 20 are mated, at least a part of thehinge 30 is pulled in the direction of mating thecontainer elements 20. This configuration allows thehinge 30 to generate restoring force that brings the mating surfaces 21M of the pair ofcontainer elements 20 into close contact with each other. Therefore, it is possible to improve the close contact between the mating surfaces 21M. Specifically, in an example of the present embodiment, in the closed state, the bottom of each V-shapedgroove 31 in thehinge 30 is pulled in the direction of mating thecontainer elements 20. For example, in the unfolded state illustrated inFIG. 3 , preferably, a height H of eachmating surface 21M relative to a boundary P between the outer surface (the surface reverse from the surface in which the V-shapedgrooves 31 are formed) of thehinge 30 and the outer surface of eachcontainer element 20 is substantially a half of a length of the hinge 30 (a length in the direction of connecting thecontainer elements 20; a length between the two boundaries P). - In the
container 10 according to the present embodiment, thehinge 30 connects thecontainer elements 20. Therefore, it is possible to easily mate thecontainer elements 20, as compared with a case of mating thecontainer elements 20 that are not connected to each other. For example, it is possible to easily adjust the orientations of the container elements, and to easily mate thecontainer elements 20. In addition, the pair ofcontainer elements 20 are molded using a foam resin. Therefore, it is possible to easily bring the mating surfaces 21M of the pair ofcontainer elements 20 into close contact with each other. In addition, at least a part of thehinge 30 is pulled when the pair ofcontainer elements 20 are mated. Therefore, it is possible to more easily bring the mating surfaces 21M (particularly the areas near the hinge 30) into close contact with each other. It is also possible to inhibit the mating surfaces 21M from being displaced from each other, when thehinge 30 is pulled, as compared with a case where thehinge 30 is loosened without being pulled. Therefore, it is possible to more easily bring the mating surfaces 21M into contact with each other. It is also possible to improve the close contact between the mating surfaces 21M when thehinge 30 is pulled. Therefore, it is possible to decrease the number of positions to be fixed by the fixing members 40 and to reduce the number of parts. - It should be noted that the use of the
container 10 and an object to be accommodated in the accommodation space R in thecontainer 10 are not particularly limited. For example, thecontainer 10 may be installed in a vehicle (e.g., an automobile) to accommodate a compressor (e.g., a compressor of an automotive air conditioner). For example, in a case where a noise source, such as a compressor, is required to be hermetically sealed in thecontainer 10, it is possible to inhibit noise from leaking through a gap between the mating surfaces 21 since it is possible to easily bring the mating surfaces 21 into close contact with each other. - In the
container 10 according to the present embodiment, it is also possible to inhibit thehinge 30 from projecting outward since thehinge 30 is pulled in the closed state. Thecontainer 10 according to the present embodiment is molded such that the mating surfaces 21M are connected to each other and point unidirectionally. Therefore, it is possible to easily achieve a configuration in which at least a part of thehinge 30 is pulled when the pair ofcontainer elements 20 are mated at theirmating surfaces 21M. - In the
container 10 according to the present embodiment, thehinge 30 has the V-shapedgrooves 31, and the thickness of thehinge 30 gradually decreases toward the bottom of each V-shapedgroove 31. Therefore, it is possible to easily bend thehinge 30 at the areas where the V-shapedgrooves 31 are formed. In addition, the bottom of each V-shaped groove in the hinge is pulled when the pair of container elements are mated. Therefore, it is possible to easily bring the mating surfaces into close contact with each other as described above. It is also possible to inhibit the hinge from projecting with the pair ofcontainer elements 20 being mated. - In the
container 10 according to the present embodiment, thehinge 30 has the plurality of V-shapedgrooves 31. Therefore, it is possible to easily bend thehinge 30. In addition, the vertex of theprotrusion 32 between the adjacent two V-shapedgrooves 31 is located lower than the mating surfaces 21M. Therefore, it is possible to inhibit the protrusion from interfering the mating surfaces 21M when the mating surfaces 21M are mated with each other. Further, in thecontainer 10 according to the present embodiment, of the fourinner surfaces 31M of the two V-shapedgrooves 31, the two inner surfaces 31MA which are farthest from each other are partially brought into contact with each other. Therefore, theprotrusion 32 is housed between the two inner surfaces 31MA. As a result, it is possible to inhibit a situation where contacting the mating surfaces 21M with each other is difficult due to the interference with theprotrusion 32. In addition, in thecontainer 10 according to the present embodiment, theprotrusion 32 becomes deformed by compression between the two inner surfaces 31MA. Therefore, it is possible to more easily bring the mating surfaces 21M into contact with each other. - In the
container 10 according to the present embodiment, thehinge 30 has the arc-shapedgroove 33 formed in the entire outer surface reverse from the surface in which the two V-shapedgrooves 31 are formed. Therefore, it is possible to inhibit thehinge 30 from projecting at the time when thehinge 30 is bent and the pair ofcontainer elements 20 are mated at theirmating surfaces 21M. As a result, it is possible to reduce the size of thecontainer 10 and to improve the appearance of thecontainer 10 in the state in which the pair ofcontainer elements 20 are mated. -
FIGS. 5 to 8 each illustrate acontainer 10 according to a second embodiment. Thecontainer 10 according to the present embodiment is the same in configuration with thecontainer 10 according to the first embodiment except for a configuration of ahinge 30. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 5 and7 , in an example of the present embodiment, thehinge 30 has one V-shapedgroove 31. For example, the V-shapedgroove 31 is formed at a center of thehinge 30 in the direction of connecting a pair ofcontainer elements 20. - As illustrated in
FIG. 8 , thehinge 30 is bent in a closed state in which the pair ofcontainer elements 20 are mated at theirmating surfaces 21M. At this time, a pair ofinner surfaces 31M of the V-shapedgroove 31 are brought into surface contact with each other. In an example of the present embodiment, theinner surfaces 31M, which are in surface contact with each other, are flush with the mating surfaces 21M of the pair ofcontainer elements 20. - Also in present embodiment, at least a part of the hinge 30 (specifically, the bottom of the V-shaped
groove 31 in the hinge 30) is pulled in the direction of mating the pair ofcontainer elements 20 in the closed state in which thecontainer elements 20 are mated. - Also in the
container 10 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to easily mate thecontainer elements 20 as in the foregoingcontainer 10 according to the first embodiment. -
FIGS. 9 to 13 each illustrate acontainer 10 according to a third embodiment. The present embodiment is the same in configuration with each of the first and second embodiments except for a configuration of ahinge 30. Specifically, in an example of the present embodiment, thehinge 30 is configured such that astrip portion 35 is suspended between opposite outer surfaces of a pair of container elements 20 (outer surfaces of longer sidewalls 24) in an unfolded state. Thestrip portion 35 is suspended between two locations away frommating surfaces 21M, and is located at a position displaced from the extension surface ofmating surfaces 21M. For example, thestrip portion 35 is displaced at its two ends from the mating surfaces 21M by a length that is substantially equal to, or is not less than, a half of a length of the strip portion 35 (e.g., slightly longer than the half). - As illustrated in
FIGS. 12 and13 , in an example of the present embodiment, the hinge 30 (the strip portion 35) constitutes a part of acomponent 34. Thecomponent 34 is a flat component that is deformable by bending and has a longitudinal direction parallel to the direction of connecting the pair ofcontainer elements 20. In an example of the present embodiment, thecomponent 34 is an insert component (which is made from, for example, a resin) to be integrated with the pair ofcontainer elements 20 when the pair of thecontainer elements 20 are foam molded. Thecomponent 34 has two ends in the longitudinal direction. The two ends are embedded in the pair ofcontainer elements 20. An exposed area, suspended between the pair ofcontainer elements 20, of thecomponent 34 configures the foregoingstrip portion 35. Thecomponent 34 has, at its two ends embedded in thecontainer elements 20,protrusion walls 34T protruding in the thickness direction of thecomponent 34. As a result, the two ends of thecomponent 34 are less susceptible to disconnection from thecontainer elements 20. - As illustrated
FIG. 12 , in an example of the present embodiment, thehinge 30 is bent in a closed state in which the pair ofcontainer elements 20 are mated at theirmating surfaces 21M. At this time, the hinge 30 (the strip portion 35) becomes deformed by bending at its two ends, and an area of thestrip portion 35 between the two ends is pulled in the direction of mating the pair ofcontainer elements 20. Also at this time, thestrip portion 35 is brought into contact with the outer surfaces of the pair ofcontainer elements 20 with thestrip portion 35 placed and abutted on the outer surfaces. - As illustrated in
FIG. 11 , in an example of the present embodiment, the two ends of the strip portion 35 (i.e., end areas, to be connected to the pair ofcontainer elements 20, of the strip portion 35) are thinner than the area of thestrip portion 35 between the two ends. Specifically, in an embodiment of the present embodiment, thestrip portion 35 has a thickness that gradually increases toward the center of thestrip portion 35 in the longitudinal direction of thecomponent 34. Specifically, in an example of the present embodiment, thestrip portion 35 has a flat isosceles triangular shape as seen in the widthwise direction of thestrip portion 35. In addition, thestrip portion 35 has a flat surface that points opposite from the pair ofcontainer elements 20 in the close state (a surface pointing rightward inFIG. 12 ). Thestrip portion 35 also has a surface that faces the pair ofcontainer elements 20 in the closed state (a surface pointing leftward inFIG. 12 ). This surface gradually protrudes toward the center of thestrip portion 35, so that atriangular protrusion 35T having a flat isosceles triangular shape in sectional view is formed on this surface. As illustrated inFIG. 9 , for example, thestrip portion 35 may have a through hole (at, for example, the center of the strip portion 35). - The longer sidewalls 24 of the
respective container elements 20, which are connected to each other via thehinge 30, have receivingrecesses 29 for receiving thetriangular protrusion 35T of thestrip portion 35, at positions where the longer sidewalls 24 are placed on the hinge 30 (the strip portion 35) in the closed state. The receiving recesses 29 in thelonger sidewalls 24N connected to each other via thehinge 30 each have a depth that gradually increases from the areas connected to thehinge 30 toward the mating surfaces 21M. - Also in the
container 10 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to easily mate thecontainer elements 20 as in the foregoingcontainer 10 according to the first embodiment. In thecontainer 10 according to the present embodiment, thehinge 30 includes thestrip portion 35 suspended between the opposite outer surfaces of the pair ofcontainer elements 20 at the two locations away from the mating surfaces 21M. When the pair ofcontainer elements 20 are mated, thestrip portion 35 becomes deformed by bending at its two ends, and the area of thestrip portion 35 between the two ends is pulled. As a result, it is possible to inhibit thehinge 30 from projecting with the pair ofcontainer elements 20 being mated. - If the
hinge 30 including thestrip portion 35 is replaced with a hinge including astrip portion 35Z indicated by a chain double-dashed line inFIG. 12 , this hinge has end areas to be connected to thecontainer elements 20 near the mating surfaces 21M. In this case, thestrip portion 35Z is loosened and is likely to project outward with thestrip portion 35Z being bent in the closed state. To cope with this, if thestrip portion 35Z is formed to be shorter, a molding die 70 (seeFIG. 13 ) for integrally molding thecontainer 10 in an unfolded state needs to have ashallow molding protrusion 75 for molding the opposite surfaces of the pair ofcontainer elements 20. Therefore, there is a possibility that the strength of themolding protrusion 75 is decreased, and the molding die 70 is susceptible to damage. - In contrast to this, the hinge 30 (the strip portion 35) of the
container 10 according to the present embodiment is suspended at the locations away from the mating surfaces 21M. Therefore, it is possible to cause thehinge 30 to be hardly loosened in the closed state even when the length of thehinge 30 is not made shorter more than necessary. Accordingly, it is also possible to thicken themolding protrusion 75 of the molding die 70 for molding thecontainer 10 and to cause the molding die 70 to be less susceptible to damage. - It is also possible to inhibit the
hinge 30 from projecting at the time when thehinge 30 is bent, since the hinge 30 (the strip portion 35) becomes deformed by bending at its two ends. In addition, the two ends of thestrip portion 35 are thinner than the area of thestrip portion 35 between the two ends. Therefore, it is possible to easily bend the hinge at the two ends of thestrip portion 35 and to further inhibit the hinge from projecting when the pair of container elements are mated. - In the present embodiment, the
strip portion 35 is placed on the outer surfaces of the pair ofcontainer elements 20 when the pair ofcontainer elements 20 are mated. Therefore, it is possible to further inhibit thehinge 30 from projecting. In addition, thecontainer elements 20 each have the receivingrecess 29. Therefore, it is possible to house thetriangular protrusion 35T of thehinge 30 in the receiving recesses 29 and to further inhibit thehinge 30 from projecting, in the closed state. -
- (1) In each of the foregoing embodiments, the
container elements 20 each have therecess 22. Alternatively, only one of thecontainer elements 20 may have therecess 22 while theother container element 20 may be, for example, a plate-shaped lid. The shape of thecontainer 10 is not limited to the shapes described in the first to third embodiments (FIGS. 1 ,5 , and9 , etc.). - (2) Each of the
container elements 20 may be made of, for example, an elastomer. Alternatively, each of thecontainer elements 20 may be made of a foam material or may be made of rubber. Thehinge 30 may be made of, for example, an elastomer. Alternatively, thehinge 30 may be made of a foam material or may be made of rubber. For example, thecontainer 10 may includecontainer elements 20 and ahinge 30 that are formed from a single material by integral molding. Alternatively, thecontainer 10 may be an insert molded product includingcontainer elements 20 and ahinge 30 that are respectively made of different materials and thehinge 30 may be inserted. It should be noted that the pair ofcontainer elements 20 may be made of different materials from each other. - (3) In the first embodiment, the
hinge 30 does not necessarily have the arc-shapedgroove 33 formed in the surface reverse from the surface in which the V-shapedgrooves 31 are formed. Alternatively, thehinge 30 may have a flat surface or may have an area that bulges in an arc shape, in place of the arc-shapedgroove 33. - (4) In the
hinge 30 having the plurality of V-shapedgrooves 31, a distance between adjacent two of the plurality of V-shapedgrooves 31 may be longer than that in the first embodiment, and a trapezoidal portion having a trapezoidal shape in sectional view may be provided between the adjacent V-shapedgrooves 31. In thehinge 30 having three or more V-shapedgrooves 31, thehinge 30 may have at least one of theprotrusion 32 and the trapezoidal portion between adjacent two of the three or more V-shapedgrooves 31. - (5) In the first or second embodiment, the pair of
inner surfaces 31M of each V-shapedgroove 31 are not necessarily brought into surface contact with each other in the closed state, but a clearance may be formed between the pair ofinner surfaces 31M. Further, in the first or second embodiment, a clearance may be formed between the surface of thehinge 30, in which the V-shapedgrooves 31 are formed, and thecontainer elements 20. In the first embodiment, the two inner surfaces 31MA, which are farthest from each other, of the two V-shapedgrooves 31 are not necessarily brought into contact with each other in the closed state. In addition, theprotrusion 32 between the two V-shapedgrooves 31 does not necessarily become deformed by compression between the inner surfaces 31MA in the closed state. - (6) In the first embodiment, the vertex of the
protrusion 32 may be located on the extension surface of the mating surfaces 21M or may be located higher than the extension surface of the mating surfaces 21M (the upper side inFIG. 3 ). - (7) In the second embodiment, the pair of
inner surfaces 31M, which are in surface contact with each other, of the V-shapedgroove 31 are not necessarily flush with the mating surfaces 21M of the pair ofcontainer elements 20 when thecontainer 10 is in the closed state. Also in the second embodiment, the pair ofinner surfaces 31M of the V-shapedgroove 31 are not necessarily brought into surface contact with each other, and a clearance may be formed between the pair ofinner surfaces 31M when thecontainer 10 is in the closed state. - (8) In the third embodiment, the
hinge 30 is not necessarily brought into contact with the outer surfaces of thecontainer elements 20 when thecontainer 10 is in the closed state. - (9) In the third embodiment, the
strip portion 35 may have a uniform thickness. - (10) In each of the foregoing embodiments, the
container 10 may include a plurality of hinges 30. - (11) In each of the foregoing embodiments, the
hinge 30 is not necessarily pulled when thecontainer 10 is in the closed state. For example, in this configuration, thehinge 30 may have one V-shaped groove, two V-shaped grooves, or three or more V-shaped grooves, and the thickness of thehinge 30 may gradually decrease toward the bottom of thehinge 30. - It should be noted that the foregoing embodiments each disclose the following container.
- A container including: a pair of container elements to be mated to constitute the container; and a hinge connecting the pair of container elements, the pair of container elements and the hinge being integrally formed from a resin by foam molding with mating surfaces of the pair of container elements pointing unidirectionally, wherein
at least a part of the hinge is pulled when the pair of container elements are mated. - The foregoing description and drawings disclose specific examples of techniques embraced in the claims. However, the techniques recited in the claims are not limited to these specific examples. The techniques recited in the claims involve various changes and modifications of the specific examples, and also involve part of the specific examples singly extracted from the specific examples.
-
- 10
- container
- 20
- container element
- 21M
- mating surface
- 30
- hinge
- 31
- V-shaped groove
- 31M
- inner surface
- 32
- protrusion
- 33
- groove
- 35
- strip portion
Claims (8)
- A container comprising:a pair of container elements to be mated to constitute the container; anda hinge connecting the pair of container elements, the pair of container elements and the hinge being integrally formed from a resin by foam molding with mating surfaces of the pair of container elements pointing unidirectionally, whereinat least a part of the hinge is pulled when the pair of container elements are mated,the hinge has a V-shaped groove located lower than the mating surfaces and including a pair of inner surfaces arranged in a V shape and brought into surface contact with each other when the pair of container elements are mated, and has a thickness that gradually decreases toward a bottom of the V-shaped groove,the bottom of the V-shaped groove is pulled when the pair of container elements are mated,the hinge has two of the V-shaped grooves,the hinge includes a protrusion located between the two V-shaped grooves, the protrusion having a vertex located lower than the mating surfaces, andof the four inner surfaces of the two V-shaped grooves, two inner surfaces which are farthest from each other are partially brought into contact with each other.
- The container according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion becomes deformed by compression between the two inner surfaces, which are partially in contact with each other, when the pair of container elements are mated.
- The container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
the hinge has an arc-shaped groove formed in an entire outer surface of the hinge reverse from a surface of the hinge in which the two V-shaped grooves are formed. - A container comprising:a pair of container elements to be mated to constitute the container; anda hinge connecting the pair of container elements, the pair of container elements and the hinge being integrally formed from a resin by foam molding with mating surfaces of the pair of container elements pointing unidirectionally, whereinat least a part of the hinge is pulled when the pair of container elements are mated,the hinge has a V-shaped groove located lower than the mating surfaces and including a pair of inner surfaces arranged in a V shape and brought into surface contact with each other when the pair of container elements are mated, and has a thickness that gradually decreases toward a bottom of the V-shaped groove,the bottom of the V-shaped groove is pulled when the pair of container elements are mated, andthe hinge has the single V-shaped groove.
- The container according to claim 4, wherein the pair of inner surfaces of the V-shaped groove are flush with the mating surfaces of the pair of container elements with the pair of container elements being mated.
- A container comprising:a pair of container elements to be mated to constitute the container; anda hinge connecting the pair of container elements, the pair of container elements and the hinge being integrally formed from a resin by foam molding with mating surfaces of the pair of container elements pointing unidirectionally, whereinat least a part of the hinge is pulled when the pair of container elements are mated,the hinge includes a strip portion suspended between opposite outer surfaces of the pair of container elements, at two locations away from the mating surfaces, andthe strip portion becomes deformed by bending at two ends of the strip portion, and an area of the strip portion between the two ends is pulled when the pair of container elements are mated.
- The container according to claim 6, wherein
the strip portion is placed on the outer surfaces of the pair of container elements when the pair of container elements are mated. - The container according to claim 6 or 7,
wherein
the two ends of the strip portion are thinner than the area of the strip portion between the two ends.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2021150609A JP7097494B1 (en) | 2021-09-15 | 2021-09-15 | container |
PCT/JP2022/015592 WO2023042465A1 (en) | 2021-09-15 | 2022-03-29 | Container |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP4292951A1 true EP4292951A1 (en) | 2023-12-20 |
Family
ID=82320461
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP22869617.5A Pending EP4292951A1 (en) | 2021-09-15 | 2022-03-29 | Container |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
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EP (1) | EP4292951A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP7097494B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN116997516A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2023042465A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS6052215U (en) * | 1983-09-19 | 1985-04-12 | 積水化成品工業株式会社 | container |
JP2548180Y2 (en) * | 1990-03-26 | 1997-09-17 | 松下電器産業株式会社 | Foamed synthetic resin packaging container |
JP2544551Y2 (en) * | 1992-12-17 | 1997-08-20 | 株式会社ジェイエスピー | Foam resin container |
JPH1017003A (en) * | 1996-06-28 | 1998-01-20 | Kureha Chem Ind Co Ltd | Cap for wide mouthed container |
JP2005076848A (en) | 2003-09-03 | 2005-03-24 | Nsk Ltd | Thrust needle bearing and compressor for car air conditioner |
JP4676186B2 (en) * | 2004-10-18 | 2011-04-27 | ペーパーウェア株式会社 | Compact container for paper makeup |
JP2020133408A (en) * | 2019-02-13 | 2020-08-31 | 太平洋工業株式会社 | Compressor cover |
-
2021
- 2021-09-15 JP JP2021150609A patent/JP7097494B1/en active Active
-
2022
- 2022-03-29 WO PCT/JP2022/015592 patent/WO2023042465A1/en active Application Filing
- 2022-03-29 CN CN202280021292.XA patent/CN116997516A/en active Pending
- 2022-03-29 EP EP22869617.5A patent/EP4292951A1/en active Pending
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WO2023042465A1 (en) | 2023-03-23 |
CN116997516A (en) | 2023-11-03 |
JP2023043091A (en) | 2023-03-28 |
JP7097494B1 (en) | 2022-07-07 |
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